My Unexpected Alpha Harem

Destination

"My backpack." As Luke was about to drag me into the forest, an inexplicable surge of panic overtook me, and I began to struggle desperately, insisting on bringing the bag I had brought myself.

"Oh," Luke paused, then chuckled.

"Interesting, my noble and beautiful lady. Have you accepted your fate? Realized you can't escape and decided to play along?"

He casually nodded at the driver, Mike, who walked over and picked up the backpack I had meticulously prepared for this wilderness adventure.

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

There was no way I would let Luke have his way with me.

I had already discerned his intentions; he had no plans of letting me leave this forest alive.

Later, they would simply tell the police that I had ventured into the forest willingly and then disappeared, arousing no suspicion whatsoever.

Even my parents wouldn't doubt it. Since I have already told them, I have a date with Hannah.

Now I understand why Hannah texted me last night to confirm the time and place of departure.

It was all evidence.

So, once we entered the forest, I would feign cooperation and then look for an opportunity to escape.

At that moment, I was exceptionally clear-headed.

My father is an outdoor enthusiast.

Growing up under his influence, I acquired some wilderness survival skills.

My backpack was filled with gear essential for such adventures: a knife, paracord, a lighter, a fire starter, a moisture-proof mat, emergency medication... I had even packed a bag of salt.

As long as I could find a chance to escape, I was confident I could survive.

On the way here, I observed that they carried minimal supplies, clearly not intending to stay in the forest for long.

Luke appeared carefree, but he was actually quite shrewd.

Therefore, if I could slip away, I just needed to endure until they left the next day, and I would be safe.

With this thought, and seeing Mike indeed carrying my sizable backpack, a glimmer of hope for survival sparked within me.

I ceased my frantic resistance, adopting an air of resignation, and obediently walked behind Luke.

"Huh, what a slut." Luke sneered incessantly along the way.

I did not say a word, but seized every opportunity to secretly observe the terrain of the forest.

I couldn't help but admit — this forest was unnerving.

It was the height of summer, and the air outside the forest was stiflingly hot. Yet the moment we stepped into the woods, a strange chill enveloped us. After walking no more than a few dozen meters, the temperature dropped sharply, as though we had crossed from the sweltering heat of summer straight into the bleak chill of late autumn.

Common sense dictated that it was best to wear long sleeves and long pants when venturing into the deep forest. Despite the heat when we departed, I had chosen to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, denim jeans, and a pair of non-slip hiking shoes — a decision I was now deeply grateful for.

But Hannah… she was not so fortunate.

Whether she was simply foolish or if Luke and his men hadn't bothered to warn her, I couldn't say. She had dressed in a skimpy tank top and denim shorts that barely covered her thighs — an outfit chosen, no doubt, to draw Luke's attention. But now, she was paying the price.

As we pushed deeper into the forest, branches and thorns scraped against her exposed skin. Her fair shoulders and legs were soon covered with angry red scratches, and the bone-chilling cold was already gnawing at her. Before long, Hannah began to shiver uncontrollably, her face filled with misery.

She stumbled over to Luke, clutching her own arms for warmth, and whimpered in her sweetest, most coquettish voice. “Luke… can you find me a jacket? I'm freezing.”

Luke glanced at her — first at her face, then slowly down her body — before letting out a low chuckle. “What the hell were you thinking, dressing like for a forest adventure?”

I walked silently behind him, head down, but inwardly I scoffed. As if she didn't do it to get your attention.

Hannah's face flushed with embarrassment, and her gaze darted nervously around the group. But Luke showed no intention of sparing her dignity. Raising his voice lazily, he asked, “Anyone got a spare jacket for the lady?”

The men accompanying Luke — all clad in long-sleeved shirts and sturdy pants — exchanged brief glances. None of them stepped forward. None of them cared.

Then Hannah’s eyes landed on me, and I instantly felt a chill crawl up my spine. Malice glinted in her gaze.

“Why not just take Elara's shirt?” she suggested sweetly, though her tone dripped with venom. “She can give it to me and freeze a bit herself.”

My stomach twisted. She's not even pretending before anymore.

For a brief moment, Luke actually hesitated, his gaze flickering toward me. I could see he was considering it — about to nod his agreement.

“No,” I blurted, my voice sharper than intended. “Hannah's practically twice my size. Even if I gave her my shirt, she wouldn't fit in it.”

The moment the words left my mouth, the group burst into raucous laughter. Even Luke laughed, his amused gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary.

Hannah's face contorted with rage and humiliation, but no one came to her defense. The group moved on, and soon, Emily spoke up, her tone anxious. “The light… it’s getting really dim. Shouldn't we find a place to camp soon?”

Luke's demeanor shifted instantly. His carefree arrogance vanished, replaced by a hard, vigilant expression. “The moment it got dark, we set up camp. No delays. Now, keep moving.”

No one spared Hannah another glance. She was left to trail behind, shivering and miserable.

The deeper we went, the stranger the forest became.

Towering trees with gnarled roots jutted from the ground, making the path treacherous. Patches of faint sunlight occasionally pierced through the thick canopy, but most of the time, it felt like we were walking at dusk — even though it was still midday.

I tried my best to memorize the path we took, hoping I could use it to escape later. But within minutes, I was hopelessly disoriented. There were no distinct landmarks, and every turn looked the same. Panic gnawed at my chest.

Just as I was about to succumb to despair, the sound of rushing water reached my ears. A stream? I wasn't sure — but Luke’s reaction was telling. His grip on my arm, which had been almost bruising until now, suddenly loosened. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“We're here,” he said, flashing a smirk. Then he turned his head toward Emily, his voice dripping with mockery. “

Fifty thousand dollars, I promised to get you here alive. From here on out… whether you live or die, that's none of my damn business."